The Power of Slowing Down on Trail | Igor Bravemore | Author of Out in Nature
The Power of Slowing Down on Trail | Igor Bravemore | Author of Out in Nature  
Podcast: Hikes and Mics Podcast
Published On: Mon Jul 28 2025
Description: Send us Fan Mail📚 Books, Button-Downs & Backcountry Beauty with Igor Bravemore 🥾🌍🎙️ Igor Bravemore joins us this episode — hiker, photographer, and author of the newly released book Out in Nature, a four-and-a-half-year project showcasing the underrated trails of the eastern United States. Based in the DMV, he traces his love of hiking back to Great Falls, where he'd go three or four times a week as a teenager (occasionally skipping school to get there).Igor talks through hidden gems like Peak Mountain Trail in the central Adirondacks — a rainy rock scramble where he and a friend got lost several times and saw almost no one — and the solo winter hike to Lava Lake in Montana that changed everything, where he collapsed in deep snow questioning whether it was worth it before pushing on and discovering a love for winter ascents. He also shares the philosophy at the heart of his book: the power of slowing down, of stopping to look at a tree for no reason other than wanting to. We also get into spontaneous trips built around cheap flights (Greece in December, a 15,000-foot glacier trek in Colombia), hiring hiking guides abroad, hitting the trail in a button-down with a magnifying lens in his pack, upcoming hikes with his toddler in the Smokies, and a full round of season "this or that" questions — narrow ledges or creek crossings, sun on your back or wind in your face.A thoughtful, inspiring look at hiking, writing, and the wonder that comes with staying curious.Episode Links:Igor's Book - Out in NaturePhotos for each Chapter in his BookIgor on InstagramFollow us on Instagram, @HikesandmicsThis episode's music was created by Ketsa, follow him on Instagram @Ketsamusic AllTrails+I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier.Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership!Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app)Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.